Mixing syringe having a rotationally restrained piston rod

ABSTRACT

A syringe device, preferably of the disposable type, for separately storing and facilitating mixing of two substances preparatory to discharge, wherein a tubular barrel having an open end and a discharge end supports a plunger rod therein for longitudinal movement. The plunger rod has a piston on the lower end which defines with the discharge end of the barrel a first compartment for receiving one of the substances to be intermixed. The plunger rod has a plunger spaced longitudinally from the first piston to define a compartment therebetween for receiving the second substance. The piston is adapted for sealing relation with longitudinal ribs in the barrel, but is movable with the plunger rod to a position allowing intermixing of the substances, the plunger or the barrel having ribs to prevent rotation of the plunger rod about its longitudinal axis and insure proper registration of the piston with the ribs.

451 May 6,1975

[ MIXING SYRINGE HAVING A ROTATIONALLY RESTRAINED PISTON ROD [76] Inventor: Charles F. Gidcumb, Jr., 207 E.

Maywood, Morton, Ill. 61550 [22] Filed: July 5, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 376,427

[52] US. Cl 128/218 M; 128/218 P [51] Int. Cl. A6lm 5/22 [58] Field of Search 128/218 M, 218 D, 218 C,

128/218 R, 218 P, 234, 220, 272, DIG. 28,

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 1,343,085 6/1920 Lerch 128/218 P 2,688,965 9/1954 Huber 128/218 D 2,833,280 5/1958 Hein, Jr 128/218 P 3,016,896 1/1962 Van Sickle 128/218 M 3,058,467 10/1962 Faure 128/218 M X 3,070,094 12/1962 Sarnoff et al. 128/272 3,076,456 2/1963 Hunt, Sr 128/218 M 3,279,654 10/1966 Pierick 128/220 X 3,477,431 11/1969 Walecka... 128/218 M 3,598,120 8/1971 Mass 128/234 3,758,006 9/1973 Graviee 128/218 P Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant ExaminerJ. C. McGowan Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fitch, Even, Tabin & Luedeka [5 7 ABSTRACT A syringe device, preferably of the disposable type, for separately storing and facilitating mixing of two substances preparatory to discharge, wherein a tubular barrel having an open end and a discharge end supports a plunger rod therein for longitudinal movement. The plunger rod has a piston on the lower end which defines with the discharge end of the barrel a first compartment for receiving one of the substances to be intermixed. The plunger rod has a plunger spaced longitudinally from the first piston to define a compartment therebetween for receiving the second substance. The piston is adapted for sealing relation with longitudinal ribs in the barrel, but is movable with the plunger rod to a position allowing intermixing of the substances, the plunger or the barrel having ribs to prevent rotation of the plunger rod about its longitudinal axis and insure proper registration of the piston with the ribs.

4 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMAY 6 I975 SHEET 10F 2 MIXING SYRINGE HAVING A ROTATIONALLY RESTRAINED PISTON ROD The present invention relates generally to syringe devices, and more particularly, to a syringe device having novel means for separately storing two substances and facilitating mixing thereof preparatory to discharge from the syringe device.

Syringe devices having means for separately storing two substances and effecting selective intermixing of the substances preparatory to discharge from the syringe are generally known. See, for example, US. Pats. Nos. 3,058,467; 3,477,431; and 3,494,359. Many pharmaceutical preparations which are dispensed with syringes require that a powder constituent be maintained separated from an associated carrier diluent until just prior to use. The present invention provides an improved syringe device which includes novel means for maintaining separation of a powder substance and a diluent until just prior to use whereupon the powder and diluent may be readily mixed and discharged from the syringe. The syringe device in accordance with the present invention is highly efficient in operation, maintains high standards of asepsis, and is economical to manufacture.

One of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide a syringe having novel means for separately storing two different substances and effecting mixing of the substances prior to discharge from the syringe.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a syringe device having a novel piston carried by a plunger rod within a tubular barrel, the piston being adapted for selective sealing relation with longitudinal ribs in the barrel to define a sealed compartment for receiving a first substance, and being movable to a position allowing mixing of the first substance with a diluent disposed between the piston and a plunger carried by the plunger rod.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a syringe device as described which includes novel means for preventing rotational movement of the piston and plunger rod about their longitudinal axes during movement of the plunger rod to effect intermixing of the two separately stored substances prior to discharge from the syringe device.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a syringe device in accordance with one embodiment of the present inven tion, a portion of the barrel being broken away to better illustrate the plunger and piston assembly;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the plunger rod in an outward position to ef fect mixing of the two substances within the syringe device;

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a syringe device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the syringe barrel being partially broken away to better illustrate the plunger and piston assemy;

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along the line 66 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along the line 77 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along the line 88 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along the line 99 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view generally similar to FIG. 5 but illustrating still another embodiment of the syringe device in accordance with the present invention, the syringe barrel being broken away to better illustrate the plunger and piston assembly;

FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along the line 1111 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view generally similar to FIG. 10 but illustrating yet another embodiment of the syringe device in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along the line l313 of FIG. 12.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-4, a syringe device in accordance with one em bodiment of the present invention is indicated generally at 10. The syringe 10 includes body means, indicated generally at 12, comprising a generally tubular barrel 14 having an open upper end 16 and a lower slightly conical discharge or delivery end 18. The discharge end 18 has a tubular needle 20 formed integral therewith or suitably adapted to be affixed to the lower discharge end 18, the interior of the tubular needle 20 being in communication with the interior of the barrel 14 for effecting selective discharge of the contents of the barrel in a known manner. A tubular needle guard 22 is adapted to be retained over the needdle 20 to protect the needle from contact with contaminants as well as preventing breakage or damage of the needle during shipping or storage of the syringe device 10. The upper open end of the needle guard 22 is received over a cylindrical needle hub 23 in such a manner as to.create an air tight seal with the needle hub, insuring constant air pressure in the space between the lower end 18 of the barrel 14 and a lower piston 34, to be described, and inhibiting accidental movement of a plunger rod 32 during storage and shipment of the loaded syringe 10. The barrel 14, needle 20, needle hub 23 and needle guard 22 termed the basic unit of the syringe 10.

The barrel 14 is preferably transparent and may be made of a suitable material such as high strength glass or plastic. As noted, the barrel 14 is substantially tubular and thereby defines a chamber therein extending the longitudinal length of the barrel. The barrel 14 has a plurality of first rib members 24 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the barrel, there being two diametrically opposed rib members illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. The rib members 24 may be formed integral with the barrel 14, as by forming the annular wall of the barrel generally radially inwardly to define the rib members 24, or may comprise separate rib members suitably fixed to the inner surface of the barrel 14. The n'b members 24 project radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the barrel 14 and preferably have V-shaped or substantially isosceles triangle shaped cross-sectional configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The rib members 24 extend from the discharge end 18 of the barrel 14 longitudinally upwardly along the length of the barrel to a position less than threeeights the longitudinal length of the barrel.

In the embodiment of the syringe device illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the barrel 14 has a second set of rib members, indicated at 26, which are identical in number and cross-sectional configuration to the rib members 24. The rib members 26 extend from the upper open end 16 of the barrel l4 longitudinally downwardly to a position less than three-eighths the longitudinal length of the barrel. In this manner, the upper rib members 26 are spaced longitudinally from the lower rib members 24 so as to define an intermediate portion 28 in the barrel 14 disposed between the upper and lower rib members, the intermediate portion 28 being substantially cylindrical as shown in FIG. 4. The upper rib members 26 may, if desired, each be formed in longitudinal aligned relation with a corresponding one of the lower rib members 24.

The syringe device 10 includes plunger means, indicated generally at 30, adapted to be received and supported within the body means 12 for longitudinal movement relative to the barrel 14. The plunger means 30 includes the aforereferenced plunger rod 32 which has the diaphragm or piston 34 secured to the lower end of the plunger rod. The piston 34 has a peripheral configuration corresponding to the interior crosssectional configuration of the barrel 14 taken through the rib members 24, as through the section 33 of FIG. 1. To this end, the piston 34 has a generally circular plan configuration except for triangular-shaped recesses or grooves 35 formed in the peripheral surface thereof, each of the grooves 35 being adapted to receive one of the rib members 24 in sliding sealing relation therewith. The piston 34 cooperates with the lower discharge end 18 of the barrel 14 to define a first compartment therebetween to receive a first substance, such as a powder medicament or other pharmaceutical powder substance. With the piston 34 in sealing engagement with the rib members 24, the powder substance received and stored within the compartment between the piston 34 and the lower discharge end 18 of the barrel 14 is separated from any other substances that might be disposed within the barrel 14 above the piston 34.

The plunger means 30 includes means carried by the plunger rod 32 to prevent rotational movement of the plunger rod 32 and piston 34 about their common longitudinal axis; In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the plunger means 30 includes an upper diaphragm or plunger member 36 which is suitably supported by the plunger rod 32 in longitudinal spaced relation from the piston 34 and is movable with the plunger rod 32. The upper plunger member 36 is identical in plan configuration to the lower piston 34 and has triangular-shaped recesses or grooves formed in its peripheral surface, similar to grooves 35 in piston 34, to receive the rib members 26 therein in sliding sealing relation. The upper plunger 36 cooperates with the lower piston 34 to define a second compartment therebetween to receive a second substance, such as a liquid vehicle or diluent, to be subsequently mixed with the powder substance disposed within the aforenoted compartment chamber below the piston 34. With the plunger rod 32 disposed in the position illustrated in FIG. 1, the powder substance disposed below the piston 34 may be separately stored from the diluent disposed within the compartment between the lower piston 34 and the upper plunger 36. The plunger rod 32 preferably has a circular thumb plate 38 secured to the upper end thereof to facilitate longitudinal movement of the plunger rod relative to the barrel 14.

The syringe 10 is intended to be a disposable instrument which may be filled by or for the manufacturer of the contents placed in the chambers within the syringe.

The materials to be inserted into the first and second compartments of the syringe 10 may be introduced by any one of a number of suitable methods. For example, one method which could be used with relatively slow production is as follows.

A predetermined size syringe barrel 14 and a particular size needle 20 (gauge and length) and hub 23 may be integrally formed by a known moulding method. The needle guard 22 is placed over the needle 20 and securely sealed to the needle hub 23 and lower end 18 of the syringe barrel. This seal is completely air tight; yet the seal may be broken with slight twisting movement and with a small amount of pressure the needle guard may be removed.

The basic unit (barrel 14, needle 20 with hub 23 and needle guard 22) is placed in holding clamp or fixture (not shown) which is caused to move in predetermined horizontal and vertical directions, the needle 20 being disposed in a generally vertical downward position. The basic unit is moved to a position underlying a container or hopper (not shown) which is capable of storing and dispensing a predetermined quantity of a first powder substance upon demand. The basic unit is moved vertically upward so that the upper open end 16 of the syringe barrel 14 cooperates with a discharge aperture from the hopper through which a quantity of the first powder substance is introduced into the lower portion of the syringe barrel 14. The hopper discharge aperture is then closed and the basic unit is moved downwardly to remove the syringe barrel from the hopper discharge aperture.

The basic unit is then moved horizontally to another work station position whereupon two hollow tubes (not shown) having outer diameters equivalent to the diameter of a 24 gauge needle (outside diameter of approximately one-thirty-seconds inch) are inserted longitudinally into the barrel 14 adjacent the inner surface thereof and rotationally disposed from the syringe ribs 24. The tubes are caused to extend below the upper ends of the lower ribs 24 in the syringe 10. One of the tubes is longer than the other and is attached to a container which when triggered will force a predetermined amount of substance into the syringe. The other shorter tube is attached to a vacuum or to a chamber of atmospheric air pressure which will readily receive air displaced from the barrel 14 through the shorter tube.

The syringe plunger 32 and associated piston 34 and plunger 36 are inserted into the syringe barrel 14 far enough to seat the lower piston 34 with the lower syringe ribs 24. The increased air pressure in the first chamber established below the lower piston 34 will be released through the second tube causing the air pressure in that chamber to be equal to the atmospheric pressure. To accommodate entry of the piston 34 and plunger 36 into the barrel 14 with the tubes disposed therein as described, the piston 34 and plunger 36 are made of a material pliable enough to be displaced by the tubes but capable of maintaining an air tight seal with the tubes and inner surface of the barrel 14, the seal being maintained after removal of the tubes.

The basic unit is then moved in a downward direction relative to the tubes to place the ends of the tubes above the piston 34 but just below the upper ribs 26 and upper plunger 36 in the top of the second compartment or chamber defined between the piston 34 and plunger 36. In this position the longer tube delivers a predetermined amount of substance, such as a diluent, from the supply container into the second compartment of the syringe 10. the entrance of this substance forces an equal volume of air out through the other shorter tube. The release of this air causes the air pressure in this chamber to again equal that of the atmosphere.

The loaded syringe is then moved downwardly in a vertical direction far enough to clear the tubes and is moved horizontally away from the filling apparatus preparatory to packaging for shipment.

It will be understood that the filling operation is accomplished in a sterile compartment and only sterile materials are used. Further, other methods for loading my syringes on a mass production basis will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

When it is desired to effect admixture of the powder substance and the diluent within the barrel 14, the piston rod 32 is moved longitudinally outwardly to a piston wherein the lower piston 34 is disposed within the intermediate portion 28 of the barrel. In this position, the diluent passes through the longitudinal grooves or recesses 35 in the peripheral surface of the piston 34 under the influence of gravity and differential air pressure created when the lower piston 34 is withdrawn from the rib members 24. The piston rod 32 may then move longitudinally into the barrel 14 a distance sufficient to effect engagement of the piston 34 with the rib members 24 at which time the syringe device may be gently shaken to agitate and mix the powder substance and diluent. Thereafter, the mixed substances may be discharged from the syringe device after removing the needle cover 22 in the described manner.

FIGS. S9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a syringe device, indicated generally at 40, in accordance with the present invention. The syringe device 40 includes body means comprising a generally tubular barrel 42 having a lower conical discharge or delivery end 44 terminating in a discharge needle 46 formed integral with or otherwise suitably secured to the end 44. A needle guard 22 is mounted over the needle 46 in similar fashion to the above-described needle cover 22 and needle 20. The tubular barrel 42 has an open upper end 48 which receives plunger means, indicated generally at 50, therethrough such that the plunger means extends longitudinally within the barrel 42.

The lower end of the barrel 42 includes a pair of diametrically opposed, longitudinally extending, internal rib members 52 which extend from the lower discharge end 44 of the barrel longitudinally upwardly a distance less than one-forth the length of the barrel. The barrel 42 also has a pair of diametrically opposed grooves 54 formed in the inner surface of the barrel which extend longitudinally from the upper open end downwardly a distance approximately equal to three-eighths of the longitudinal length of the barrel. The purpose and function of the grooves 54 will become more apparent hereinbelow.

The plunger means 50 includes a lower piston 56 secured to the lower end of a plunger rod 58. Noting F IG. 9, the piston 56 has a peripheral configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the lower end of the barrel 42, as taken through section 9-9 of FIG. 5. To this end the piston 56 has generally V-shaped longitudinal grooves 59 in its peripheral surface adapted for sealing and sliding relation with the rib members 52 to define a substantially closed compartment between the lower end of the piston 56 and the discharge end 44 of the barrel 42 when the piston 56 is in engagement with the ribs 52. The piston rod 58 has a cylindrical plunger 60 secured thereto in longitudinal spaced relation from the piston 56 to define a compartment therebetween having a longitudinal length slightly greater than one-fourth the length of the barrel 42. The plunger 60 is adapted for sealing sliding relation within the cylindrical bore portion of the barrel 42 disposed between the upper ends of. the rib membes 52 and the lower ends of the grooves 54.

The plunger means 50 includes plunger fins 62 and 64 which are secured together to form a cruciform cross-sectional configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The plunger fins 62 and 64 form right-angles therebetween and intersect in a line coincident with the longitudinal axis of the barrel 42 and plunger 58. The plunger fins 64 are of a size that the outer vertical edge surfaces thereof are adapted to engage the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface of the barrel 42 during longitudinal movement of the plunger means 50 relative to the barrel 42. Approximately one-half of the longitudinal lengths of the plunger fins 62, beginning at the upper ends of fins 62, extend radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the plunger means 50 a distance slightly greater than the fins 64 such that the outer vertical edges of the extensions of fins 62 are received within the aforedescribed longitudinally extending slots 54in the barrel 42. In this fashion, the plunger fins 62 prevents rotation of the plunger means 50 about its longitudinal axis relative to the barrel 42 while allovw'ng longitudinal movement of the plunger means 50 within the barrel. Fins 62 are so positioned, that while remaining in slots 54, they allow piston 56 to seat with the discharge end 44. The plunger means 50 has a circular thumb plate 66 secured to the upper end thereof to allow manual movement of the plunger means 50 relative to the barrel 42.

When it is desired to intermix the diluent and powder substances, the plunger means 50 is moved longitudinally outwardly from the barrel 42 a distance sufficient to remove the lower piston 56 from the rib members 52, yet maintain fins 62 in slots 54 at opening 48, whereupon the diluent passes through the grooves 59 in the peripheral surface of the piston 56 for admixture with the powder substance in the lower end of the barrel 42. The lower piston 56 is then moved longitudinally into the barrel 42 to reseat with the rib members 52. Shaking of the syringe device 40 may then be desirable to facilitate thorough mixing. Subsequent longitudinaly movement of the plunger means 50 downwardly within the barrel 42 after removal of the sealed needle cover 22 will effect discharge of the mixed substance from the syringe. The plunger fins 62 cooperate with the grooves 54 in the barrel 42 to prevent rotational movement of the plunger means 50 about its longitudinal axis during operation of the plunger means 50 and maintain proper registration of the piston 56 relative to the rib members 52.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate two further embodiments of syringe devices in accordance with the present invention which are generally similar to the above described syringe device 42 except that they employ different means for preventing rotation of their respective plunger means during movement of the plunger means within the associated syringe barrels to maintain proper registration of the lower pistons 56 relative to the lower rib members 52. The syringe devices illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12 are indicated generally, respectively, at 70 and 72.

The syringe device 70 includes a generally tubular barrel 42 having a configuration identical to the aforedescribed barrel 42 of FIG. 5. The barrel 42 includes grooves 54 in the inner surface of the barrel which extend from the upper open end 48 longitudinally downwardly approximately three-eighths of the longitudinal length of the barrel. The syringe device 70 includes plunger means, indicated generally at 74, having a lower piston 56 cooperable with the internal rib members 52 in a similar manner to the aforedescribed piston 56 of the syringe device 40. Similarly, the plunger means 74 includes a plunger rod 58 which is affixed between the piston 56 and an upper piston 75 which is adapted for sealing sliding relation within the cylindrical bore portion of the barrel 42 disposed between the upper ends of the rib members 52 and the lower ends of the grooves 54. Piston 75 is affixed to the lower end of a generally cylindrical plunger 76 which has a diameter approximately one-sixteenth inch less than the diameter of the barrel bore. The plunger 76 has a pair of diametrically opposed radially projecting fins 78 formed integral therewith or otherwise suitably secured thereon, the fins 78 extending approximately one-half the length of the plunger 76 and being adapted to be received in sliding relation within the grooves 54. The fins 78 cooperate with the grooves 54 to prevent rotational movement of the plunger means 74 about its longitudinal axis relative to the barrel 42 during operation of the syringe device 70 which is substantially identical to the operation of the above described syringe device 40.

The syringe device 72 illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 employs a barrel 42 having diametrically opposed grooves 54 therein and adapted to receive plunger means, indicated generally at 80, for longitudinal sliding movement within the barrel 42. The grooves 54 extend downwardly from the upper end of the barrel 42 a distance approximately three-eights of the longitudinal length of the barrel. The plunger means 80 includes a lower piston 56 secured on the lower end of a plunger rod 58, the upper end of the plunger rod 58 being secured to a piston 75 which is adapted for sealing sliding relation within the cylindrical bore portion of the barrel 42 disposed between the upper ends of the rib members 52 and the lower ends of the grooves 54. Piston 75 is affixed to the lower end of a generally cylindrical plunger member 82 which has an outer. diameter approximately one-sixteenth inch less than the diameter of the bore of the barrel 42. The plunger member 82 has a pair of diametrically opposed radially outwardly directed projections 84 thereon which are disposed approximately mid-length of the plunger member and are of a size sufficient to be received within the longitudinally extending grooves 54. The projections 84 prevent rotation of the plunger means about its longitudinal axis relative to the barrel 42 and thus maintain proper registration of the piston 56 relative to the rib members 52 during longitudinal movement of the plunger means. The operation of the syringe device 80 is substantially identical to the operation of the aforedescribed syringe devices 40 and 70.

Having thus described various embodiments of the present invention, it can be seen that the present invention has provided a syringe device adapted to efficiently and economically maintain two different substances in separated relation until it is desired to effect intermixing of the substances preparatory to dsicharge of the mixed substances from the syringe device. More particularly, the syringe devices in accordance with the present invention provide novel means for preventing rotational movement of the associated plunger members about their longitudinal axes relative to the associated barrels to maintain the lower pistons carried on the plunger assemblies in proper registration for sliding sealing engagement with the lower rib members provided within the syringe barrels.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention in its broad aspects. Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A syringe device for separately storing and facilitating mixing of two substances preparatory to discharge from the syringe, comprising, in combination, body means defining a longitudinally extending chamber having an open end and a discharge end, plunger means disposed within said chamber and longitudinally movable therein, said body means having a first pair of ribs formed within said chamber and extending from within said chamber and extending from adjacent said discharge end longitudinally along said chamber a distance substantially less than the longitudinal length of said chamber, said body means having a second pair of ribs formed within said chamber and extending from adjacent said open end longitudinally along said chamber to a position spaced longitudinally from said first pair of ribs to define an intermediate generally cylindrical chamber portion, first piston means supported by said plunger means for movement between a position engaging said first pair of ribs and a position disposed within said intermediate chamber portion, said first piston means having a peripheral surface configuration conforming to the cross-sectional configuration of said chamber taken through said first pair of ribs so as to provide a sealing relation with the peripheral surface of said chamber when said first piston means is engaging said first pair of ribs, said first piston means when in engagement with said first pair of ribs defining with said discharge end a first compartment to receive one of said two substances, second piston means carried by said plunger means in longitudinally spaced relation from said first piston means and having a peripheral surface configuration conforming to the cross-sectional configuration of said chamber taken through said second pair of ribs so as to engage said second pair of ribs andthe adjacent peripheral surface of said chamber in sealing relation therewith, said second piston means cooperating with said first piston means to define a second compartment therebetween adapted to receive the other of said two substances, said second piston means and said second pair of ribs cooperating to prevent rotation of said plunger means about its longitudinal axis while allowing movement of said plunger means to a position wherein said first piston means is spaced longitudinally from said first pair of ribs to allow intermixing of said substances, said plunger means being thereafter movable to effect discharge of the mixed substances from said discharge end of said body means.

2. A syringe device as defined in claim 1 wherein said ribs of said first and second pairs of ribs are diametriated ribs to provide sealing relation therewith.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 1 3,881,484

DATED I May 6, 1975 INVENTOR(S) Charles F. Gidcumb, Jr.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 38, "needdle" should be --needle--;

Column 2, line 51, before "termed" insert --are-;

Column 5, line 12, change "the" as appears before the word "entrance" to --The-;

Column 5, line 61, "forth" should be --fourth-; Column 5, line 63, after "end" insert 48;

Column 6, line 28, after "size" insert -such;

Column 6, line 40, "prevents" should be prevent--;

Column 6, lines 6 1 and 62, "longitudinaly" should be -longitudinal-;

Column 7, line 3, "are" should be -and;

Column 7, line 52, "eights" should be -eighths-;

Column 8, line 13, "dsicharge" should be --discharge-.

Column 8, line 39 delete "within said chamber and extending from".

Signed and Scaled this seventh Day Of Oc't0'ber1975 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH c. MASON c. MARSHALL DANN All sling Ujfice Commissioner ufParenrs and Trademarks 

1. A syringe device for separately storing and facilitating mixing of two substances preparatory to discharge from the syringe, comprising, in combination, body means defining a longitudinally extending chamber having an open end and a discharge end, plunger means disposed within said chamber and longitudinally movable therein, said body means having a first pair of ribs formed within said chamber and extending from within said chamber and extending from adjacent said discharge end longitudinally along said chamber a distance substantially less than the longitudinal length of said chamber, said body means having a second pair of ribs formed within said chamber and extending from adjAcent said open end longitudinally along said chamber to a position spaced longitudinally from said first pair of ribs to define an intermediate generally cylindrical chamber portion, first piston means supported by said plunger means for movement between a position engaging said first pair of ribs and a position disposed within said intermediate chamber portion, said first piston means having a peripheral surface configuration conforming to the cross-sectional configuration of said chamber taken through said first pair of ribs so as to provide a sealing relation with the peripheral surface of said chamber when said first piston means is engaging said first pair of ribs, said first piston means when in engagement with said first pair of ribs defining with said discharge end a first compartment to receive one of said two substances, second piston means carried by said plunger means in longitudinally spaced relation from said first piston means and having a peripheral surface configuration conforming to the cross-sectional configuration of said chamber taken through said second pair of ribs so as to engage said second pair of ribs and the adjacent peripheral surface of said chamber in sealing relation therewith, said second piston means cooperating with said first piston means to define a second compartment therebetween adapted to receive the other of said two substances, said second piston means and said second pair of ribs cooperating to prevent rotation of said plunger means about its longitudinal axis while allowing movement of said plunger means to a position wherein said first piston means is spaced longitudinally from said first pair of ribs to allow intermixing of said substances, said plunger means being thereafter movable to effect discharge of the mixed substances from said discharge end of said body means.
 2. A syringe device as defined in claim 1 wherein said ribs of said first and second pairs of ribs are diametrically opposed.
 3. A syringe device as defined in claim 1 wherein said second pair of ribs are longitudinally aligned with said first pair of ribs.
 4. A syringe device as defined in claim 1 wherein said ribs are generally triangular in transverse sectional configuration, and wherein each of said first and second piston means has longitudinal grooves in its peripheral surface corresponding in configuration to the associated ribs to provide sealing relation therewith. 